Florida union endorses medical marijuana measure

One of Florida largest unions, which includes 30,000 health care workers, endorsed the proposed medical marijuana amendment Tuesday.

"Seriously ill patients should not have to expose themselves to prosecution for seeking to obtain the medicine they need," Martha Baker, a registered nurse and vice president of the Service Employees International Union of Florida, said in a release.

The union represents roughly 55,000 active and retired health care professionals, public employees and service workers in Florida. The national organization has been a heavy donor to Democratic Party campaigns. Voters will decide whether to pass a medical pot amendment to Florida's constitution on Nov. 5. The measure would allow people with debilitating medical conditions to use marijuana with a doctor's recommendation. Opponents, including the Florida Medical Association, say it is worded too loosely and could allow abuses.